Alms

"Words may be deeds." ~ Aesop

Words are deeds: Is it not the hand which writes?
And is not the tongue itself a formidable muscle;
difficult to tame and subdue?

Words may be alms, if they are kind. Though we may not all be able to give abundant charity in material form, we nearly all have the power to give innumerable kind words, warm gestures, and gentle looks. It is true, the value of these subtle things is frequently dismissed for falling short, or seeming to fall short, of more palpable actions. Yet the truly cynical mind will not hesitate to scoff at even the most heroic, strenuous, and sustained acts of virtue; while the truly visionary heart will find praiseworthy even the merest notions of good.

Those who would encourage charitable deeds by disparaging charitable words only blow out the very flame they would fan into a fire. Fine words, in fact, are inexhaustible alms, which may be used to purchase the delicate bread of virtuous sentiments; sentiments which, though consumed to the nourishment of one mind, yet, multiply, like the loaves of Christ, to feed the multitudes.